Water Margin: Lu Bu sits on Mount Liang

“...I didn’t intend to keep that guy at first. He’s not one of my Han Chinese, and he has a few capable Khitans under his command. If someone like that is outwardly compliant but inwardly defiant, he’s the most troublesome.”

The cicadas chirped intermittently in the summer air, and the occasional breeze that blew through the thin gauze slightly relieved the stuffy feeling. Lü Bu slowly picked up the wine jar and took a sip, speaking his thoughts that he had never spoken aloud before: "It's just that there were very few people at that time, and the Liao army must have been pursuing us very closely. I thought I would make use of them. Whether they live or die is entirely up to fate."

The woman gently pushed the wine jar towards Wu Qing, who took it and symbolically raised the jar, touching her lips with the wine.

"He survived and led his men to break out south with me. I thought he might run away halfway, or turn against me and kill me, so I was on guard against him..."

Lu Bu didn't care how much she had drunk. As he spoke, he reached for the wine jar, took another big gulp of wine, and wiped his lips with the back of his hand: "To be honest, I was prepared to kill him at the time, but firstly, people's hearts were not at peace, and secondly, I have always maintained a positive image in front of others, so it wouldn't be right to make the first move without a reason."

His remaining troops would all have scattered, and his previous image would be completely ruined. You know... a good reputation is hard to maintain!

He then stood up, cracked his shoulders, and smiled, saying, "Later, that old codger didn't do anything, but I didn't sleep well that night. Luckily, I can doze off on horseback, so I didn't embarrass myself by not getting enough sleep."

Thinking of Lü Bu's wary demeanor that night, Wu Qing couldn't help but chuckle. Then, she spoke up for Xiao Haili, saying, "I suppose General Xiao was also confused at that time."

"Yes." Lu Bu smiled. "I know now, but I didn't know back then. However, he followed me to Song, and I breathed a sigh of relief. After all, we traveled a thousand miles together and got to know each other well."

Looking up at the sky, he said, "Later, this old fellow trained cavalry for the mountain stronghold. At that time, I became suspicious of him again. After all, his methods were obviously from the military. But since we were already in Song territory, I didn't bother with him."

Later, during the campaigns, he performed exceptionally well, sometimes even better than I had anticipated, so I gradually lowered my guard and considered him one of my own.

Wu Qing watched him quietly without interrupting. She knew that sometimes her man just needed someone to confide in.

Before him, Lü Bu stared blankly at the sky, saying nothing more.

The cicadas chirped nearby, while the eunuchs and palace maids in the distance had already retreated and were standing at a distance.

"Several imperial physicians in the palace have examined him for that illness. They all said from the beginning that it was difficult to cure, and after so much treatment, it's probably..."

After an unknown amount of time, Lü Bu lowered his head and looked at Wu Qing: "This old codger will either be leaving this autumn or this winter."

He tilted his head back and gulped down the wine from the jar, then tossed it aside. The small jar spun around on the table with a clatter: "Man can't defy nature!"

Wu Qing watched as the wine jar stopped spinning, paused for a moment, and then stood up: "Then, should I go and find more medicinal herbs to nourish the body and send them over?"

"...I have already given the instructions." Lü Bu waved his hand, turned around and sat down: "The imperial physicians all said that for now, let him do whatever he wants, and don't let his emotions fluctuate too much. Let's listen to the doctor's advice first."

Wu Qing looked at him and nodded somewhat sadly, then thought for a moment and said, "Why don't you find an opportunity for Your Majesty and Deng Fei to visit him together?"

Lu Bu paused for a moment, then sighed, "Wouldn't that be like rushing to tell him there's a problem? Let's talk about it later..."

Wu Qing also sighed with some difficulty.

The cicadas' chirping gradually subsided, the tender green leaves slowly turned yellow, and the wind blowing across the fields carried a hint of autumn coolness.

The smell of medicine permeated the General of the West's mansion. The servants coming and going all looked somewhat bewildered. The atmosphere in the entire mansion was somewhat oppressive. A dozen or so burly men stood in front of a house. Half of them had the weathered look of people from the martial arts world, while the other half looked like skilled soldiers.

“Even your lackeys are now江湖人 (jianghu people, meaning people from the martial arts world).” A weak voice came from the sickbed. Xiao Haili, pale-faced, turned to the Fire-Eyed Lion on the wooden cart beside him with a smile: “I remember they used to be elite soldiers in the army.”

"You know I can't stay idle. When I travel all over the country, I inevitably run into some audacious gangsters. With a few followers who are skilled in gangster techniques, I don't need to keep an eye on them myself."

Deng Fei smiled and popped the peeled fruit into his mouth, taking a bite. "Crunch—" he mumbled, "They're all elite soldiers. They only know how to shout and fight, and they can't use any of those petty tricks."

"Damn it, those are my fruits! If you want to eat them, can't you go buy them yourself?" Xiao Haili cursed weakly, rolling his eyes as he watched Deng Fei eat with juice dripping from his mouth: "Be careful not to use too many underworld tricks and get targeted."

"Aren't there enough people watching me already?" Deng Fei raised an eyebrow and sneered, "I'm still sitting here peacefully."

"Heh...you scoundrel, cough cough..." Xiao Haili stared at the rooftop for a long time, panting, before finally saying, "I'm probably about to die."

Slightly——

Deng Fei paused for a moment while biting, but still took a bite: "What nonsense! You scourge, you're not so easy to kill. I'd probably be dead while you're still alive."

"Don't try to comfort me. I'm not afraid of death. More than 20 years ago, during the rebellion, I considered myself dead." Xiao Haili smiled as he looked at Deng Fei, his thin face showing a hint of sadness. "Hey, you with the broken leg, get me a wooden cart too. Let's go back to that valley we used to visit."

Deng Fei didn't say a word, his hands twirling rapidly as he gnawed the fruit until only the pit remained. Chewing on it, his fiery red eyes stared at Xiao Haili: "...Alright, I'll go back and get you a car. Then I'll invite His Majesty, and we'll go together."

Xiao Haili frowned: "The affairs of the court are very busy..."

"Don't talk back!" Deng Fei interrupted him somewhat aggressively: "Wait at home, I'll go find a backup."

Pull the wheel with both hands to turn the direction around.

"……Thanks."

The voice from behind made him stop what he was doing. "You blind bastard, you're not good at being polite." He cursed. "Hahahaha..." Hearing the weak laughter from behind, Deng Fei swayed the car to the door and opened it: "Carry me out."

The guards waiting outside rushed forward and hurriedly carried the wooden cart out the door, then closed the door behind them.

The carriage swayed, and Deng Fei's gaze fell on Xiao Gaoshi in the distance. He saw her perform a deep curtsy, and Deng Fei returned the greeting with a slight bow before speaking with a blank face: "To the palace."

Someone pushed the cart, and with a slight sway, the group gradually disappeared into the distance.

……

The sunlight hung in the air.

Lu Bu gently pushed open the door and looked at Deng Fei waiting inside. He paused for a moment. The eyes on the wooden cart looked over, and Deng Fei gave a bitter smile: "That blind man wants to go to the valley to take a look. I'm afraid it's true..." His hands on his lap clenched for a moment.

"You guys all still miss that place..."

Light shone in from behind Lü Bu, and Deng Fei subconsciously squinted, unable to see the expression on Lü Bu's face due to the backlight.

"I have the guards prepare to disembark from the carriage. Let's go over there together." Lü Bu turned around, not entering the door, and tossed out a sentence from afar: "It's a pity that Qiao Lie went to Liaodong a few days ago because of some business, and that kid Ma Ling can't come back from the border. Otherwise, we could have gone together."

Deng Fei paused for a moment, then sighed.

That evening, a carriage drawn by eight fine horses stopped outside the gate of the General of the West's mansion. Servants and servants wrapped Xiao Haili in clothes and carried him onto the carriage. With the help of the guards, they laid him down on the couch.

Lady Xiao, holding Xiao Jingshan's hand, stood at the door, watching her servants and guards bustling about. She led her son to the front and gave Lü Bu a deep bow: "Your Majesty has troubled you with this matter concerning my husband; I am truly grateful..."

With a wave of his hand in front of her, Lü Bu turned his gaze from the carriage to the woman before him. "You're being too polite. Xiao Qing and I started from humble beginnings. He's followed me on every campaign, and speaking of which..." He let out a long breath, "I owe him a great deal." "Your Majesty is too kind..." Xiao Gao's eyes suddenly reddened, and she pulled her son to her side. Lü Bu looked down at them and smiled, "Don't worry, I've brought the best imperial physicians and herbs."

"My wife, Xiao Gao, and the child were already prepared. My husband has always cherished our past relationship, and in recent months he has often said that he wants to visit our old haunts. If we could sleep there, it would perhaps be a blessing..."

Lu Bu was at a loss for words for a moment before finally speaking: "You all stay home and behave yourselves. I..." He didn't make any promises, and turned to get into the carriage: "Take them and leave first."

Deng Fei leaned out of the car window and saw Xiao Gaoshi cup her hands in greeting, and the woman, holding her child, returned the greeting.

As Wu Wei watched Lü Bu board the carriage, they all mounted their horses. A shout of "Let's go!" came from Wei He's mouth. With a "Giddy up!" the whip of the driver cracked in the air.

The sound of horses' hooves echoed through the streets, and the tall wheels rolled over the dirt road. Lu Bu looked at the two figures, one tall and one short, standing motionless at the doorway behind him, staring at him. He looked down at Xiao Haili, whose face was haggard, and said, "You old codger, you've found a good wife."

"Your Majesty flatters me." Xiao Haili smiled slightly, narrowed his eyes, raised his head slightly, and adjusted the position of his pillow: "I can never make up for her in this life, so I might as well owe her everything. If there is an afterlife, I will repay her for the kindness I have shown her in this life."

Lu Bu braced his arm against the table on the carriage and gestured to the palace maid huddled in the corner. The maid quickly took out three wine flasks from a small wooden cabinet beside her, placed them on the table, and then retreated to the corner to wait.

He reached out and pushed one wine flask to Deng Fei, then casually tossed the other to Xiao Haili's side. Lü Bu glanced at him and asked, "Do you still have the energy to drink?"

"Hahaha, cough cough, hahaha..." Xiao Haili reached out and pulled the cork out with some effort. A glint flashed in his single eye: "Your Majesty underestimates me. I have been stealing wine from my family since I can remember. Even if I am paralyzed, I can still move as long as I have wine... uh, help me up."

"I'll drink you dry, you blind man." Deng Fei chuckled, raising his hand as the liquor gurgled in his pouch.

Lü Bu chuckled and personally helped Xiao Haili sit up. He then pulled out the wine cork, and the three wine sachets tapped together in the air.

The aroma of the liquor wafted through the car, and the voices of the three people conversing could be heard from inside from time to time.

The three generals, Yu Cheng, Wei He, and Xu Wen, who were riding their warhorses, exchanged glances and then silently urged their horses forward.

More than a thousand mounted guards marched along the road, causing the people in the city to hurriedly move to the sides of the street, not daring to bump into the procession, but only watching with curious eyes as the magnificent figures passed by.

As the caravan traveled, orders were given to cavalrymen to gallop into the counties and prefectures along the way. Local officials, having received instructions not to disturb the caravan's progress, lamented the missed opportunity to curry favor with the emperor while simultaneously dispatching their trusted men to clear away merchants and travelers along the route in accordance with the emperor's will.

The cavalry traveled westward from Yanjing, crossing rivers and traversing plains. On the carriage, Xiao Haili, who used to be able to talk to Deng Fei and Lü Bu from time to time, became listless. The imperial physicians, including An Daoquan, took turns administering acupuncture and medicine to try their best to stabilize his condition.

As the leaves withered and fell from the branches, the caravan finally entered the territory of Jizhou.

Boom boom boom——

The sound of horses' hooves echoed across the plains. Lu Bu and Deng Fei swayed slightly in the carriage, neither of them speaking, only looking sadly at Xiao Haili lying there.

As the sun reached its zenith, the figure, who had been fast asleep with his eyes closed, suddenly opened one eye.

"Where are we...?"

Deng Fei peeked out, then pulled his head back in: "It's just ahead, isn't it?"

"We're almost there..."

Xiao Haili murmured, staring at the roof of the carriage with one eye. The sound of the horses' hooves gradually faded, and the swaying carriage stopped with a shout of "Whoa!"

"Your Majesty, we have arrived!" Yu Cheng approached the carriage on his warhorse, bowing respectfully as he spoke.

Lu Bu glanced at Xiao Haili, whose face suddenly brightened, a man who had been listless: "Help...help me out of the carriage, quickly!"

Two guards climbed onto the carriage shaft, glanced at Lü Bu, and when he nodded, they quickly stepped forward. One dragged Deng Fei, and the other carried Xiao Haili, helping them down from the carriage and into the wooden-wheeled cart. Guards then pushed the cart away, and hundreds of guards cavalry, led by Wei He, took the lead towards the valley.

giggle-

As the wheels rolled, a light shone in Xiao Haili's single eye, and his withered hand gripped the wooden handrail: "This is it... everything is just like yesterday."

Lu Bu didn't ride Red Hare either, but followed behind with his hands behind his back. He glanced sadly at the rosy-cheeked figure. The carriage was very stable under the arms of the guards, and gradually entered the valley.

A valley shaped like the Chinese character "中" came into view. Lu Bu's eyes widened slightly, but Xiao Haili laughed and said in a louder voice, pointing at the valley, "When I first came here, I thought this place was a good place to hide filth and evil."

He slapped the armrest: "Damn it, the rebellion failed back then, but the government troops were useless too. I faked my death and hid here, and no one knew about it. Sure enough, I escaped a disaster."

Lu Bu and Deng Fei exchanged a glance, then both lowered their eyes and listened quietly to him speak.

"Later, the same band of bandits made a living here, robbing and piracy while also disgusting that damned Yelü Yanxi, hahaha. Unfortunately, my whole family died at that time, and I lost my ambition. The leader was also a good-for-nothing."

He took a deep breath and turned to look at Lü Bu: "When Your Majesty came that day, I felt something was wrong. The way you walked and your aura were definitely those of someone who had come from the battlefield, not an ordinary bandit. Sure enough, you killed that person."

Lu Bu forced an ugly smile.

"I thought to myself at the time that I was no good. Maybe following behind you would give Yelü Yanxi a headache. Unfortunately, that old thief Yelü Dezhong came so quickly that we didn't have time to develop."

Xiao Haili said to himself, "At the time, I didn't know what to do, so I just followed you and ran away. Who knew that we would end up in Song territory? I thought it was better to die in Song territory than to die at the hands of Yelü Yanxi's army."

Deng Fei turned his head and wiped his eyes.

"Later, more and more people followed you, and you even raised a force of ten thousand men in Liangshan. Your Majesty, do you know that from then on, I was thinking about when to urge you to fight your way back to Liaodong. But before I could even say anything, you decided to come back."

Xiao Haili hunched over and shrank back into the carriage: "I was overjoyed when the army set foot on Liaodong soil. I was finally able to take revenge on Yelü Yanxi. But I never expected that not only would Yelü Yanxi be captured, but His Majesty would also seize the Liao Kingdom, and all the ancestral foundation would be lost."

He slightly raised his head and looked down at the sky: "But I have no regrets, nor have I ever blamed Your Majesty. The Liao Dynasty has been corrupt from top to bottom, and it deserves to be defeated!"

He took a deep breath and looked at the tall figure beside him: "The Liao Dynasty receives tribute every year, and the royal family, generals, and officials are all indulging in comfort. They have lost the martial spirit they had when the country was founded."

The rosy complexion was gradually fading.

"Your Majesty... do not let the tribute corrupt your will. Money is good, but you can't take it with you when you die. It's just a little bit of wealth, and it shouldn't trouble you..."

The light in his one eye was somewhat dim.

"The Liao has already been conquered... There's still... the Song Dynasty. Your Majesty... attack the Song... surpass the Liao... surpass... the Khitan..."

light.

The power went out. (End of Chapter)